Sector
Life Science
Keyword

Plant Breeder

Plant Breeding Specialist

Minimum Ph

D in Plant Breeding / Genetics / Plant Breeding and Genetics

Not required

The tasks a Plant Breeder is expected to perform include:Conducting experiments in fields and under controlled conditions to breed improved varieties of plants in relation to size, quality, yield, resistance to frost and diseases, etc.Studying different characteristics of plants, such as their growth, yield, etc. of both imported and indigenous varieties

Growing plants in selected areas under controlled climatic conditions

Comparing the characteristics of indigenous varieties with foreign or imported varieties to select best breed for local propagation

Breeding or cross-breeding plants of one variety with another to evolve strain of improved yield, height, size, resistance to diseases, etc.Growing plants in experimental farms in nucleus seed so as to multiply them under controlled conditions of soil, fertility, climate, irrigation, etc.Breeding new varieties by inducing artificial mutation by use of light rays, chemicals and radio-active isotopes

Conducting sample check of yield, quality, quantity, etc.Handling proper plant growth after variety is released

Specialising in breeding particular crop plants, such as cotton, millets, pulses, oil seeds, paddy, sugarcane, etc.Teaching the students about the various breeding processes

Knowledge of growth, yield of both imported and indigenous varieties of plants

Skilled in growing plants under controlled climatic conditions

Complete knowledge of the characteristics of both indigenous as well as foreign varieties Skilled in doing artificial mutation by use of light rays, chemicals and radio-active isotopes

Expertise in plant breeding, including mutation induction and/or detection

Familiarity with the optimal use of nuclear and biotechnology methods for the induction and/or detection of genetic alteration in plants

Knowledge of high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping for mutation detection

Ability to communicate project needs and results effectively to experts and national counterparts

Not required

Hard working

Ability to work independently

Excellent research skills

Patient

Resilience

Good communication skills

Good analytical skills

It is not a desk job

Need not handle a team

Local travelling maybe a part of this job role

Part-time work and contractual jobs maybe available

Work from home option is not available

Working hours

This job is not listed as hazardous or dangerous under The Factories Act, 1948 (section 87)

Shift system maybe available

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs?No

This job is not listed as hazardous or dangerous under The Factories Act, 1948 (section 87)

One may develop occupational hazards such as stress on eyes, mental and physical strain, joint pains, etc., if not taken care of

For freshers -INR15,600 toINR18,000 per month

(These figures are indicative and subject to change)

Overview of Life Sciences Industry in India

India is gearing up to become an international player in the life sciences, powered by its recent economic growth and a desire to add biotechnology to its portfolio. As per a special report published by JCB, Rockefeller University Press, India's greatest challenge will be in educating, recruiting and supporting its next generation of scientists. Biotechnology represents a potential sector of economic growth and an important component in India's national health agenda. Appreciating the important role that biology will play in this century, the Indian government is expanding as well as starting several new biological research institutes, which will open up many new positions for life science researchers. Funds also are becoming available for state-of-the-art equipment, thus decreasing the earlier large disparity in support facilities between the top research institutes in India.

Like the broader social structure of India itself, opportunities for research vary tremendously at different institutions within India. At the top end, faculty members at research institutes possess, by and large, the necessary equipment to perform high quality research and have access to central staff that take care of needs such as autoclaving and media preparation.

Considering all these aspects, it is safe to say that the job demand for a Plant Breeder in the area of Life Sciences is likely to increase in the coming years.

Specialist seed producers

Government and private research institutes

Commercial plant breeding companies

Agricultural sciences recruitment boards

Cities and towns across India